New rules allow paid time off for new parents

Published: Sunday, June 11, 2000

WASHINGTON {AP} President Clinton opened the door Saturday for states to provide unemployment pay to workers who take unpaid time off to care for a newborn child or sick relative, expanding an already popular Family Leave Act.

In his weekly radio address, Clinton announced new regulations by the Labor Department that would allow states to provide paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. He also announced a new regulation, effective June 20, that allows federal employees to use up to 12 weeks of sick leave to care for a seriously ill family member.

Clinton said he sought the changes because many workers cannot afford to take time off without pay as stipulated under the 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act, the first bill he signed as president.

"There are too many families that aren't making use of the (Family Leave Act) because they simply can't afford to take the time off if it means sacrificing a paycheck."

President Clinton

He noted that 20 million people have taken advantage of the law to care for a newborn or a sick relative, and said more might do so if they didn't have to lose pay.

"There are too many families that aren't making use of the law because they simply can't afford to take the time off if it means sacrificing a paycheck," Clinton said.

Fifteen states are considering legislation to provide paid leave through means such as unemployment insurance, and the president said he hopes more states will join them.

"I believe those which do can provide this new benefit while still preserving the fiscal soundness of their unemployment insurance programs," Clinton said. "The first few months with a newborn are precious ones, and no parent should have to miss them."

Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts, whose state is considering a proposal to provide paid leave through unemployment insurance, said Clinton's announcement "gives hope to families that cannot afford to take time off to spend time with their newborn or newly adopted children."

Added Judith L. Lichtman, president of the National Partnership for Women and Families: "It is time past time to update our policies to fit today's work force and today's families."

But Rep. J.C. Watts of Oklahoma, chairman of the House Republican Conference, said the plan was "ill-conceived."

"Under Clinton's proposal, there will be nothing there if we have an economic downturn and more Americans are suddenly unemployed," Watts said. "Clinton's proposal will shred the safety net for the unemployed."